its string is pulled taut...
summer field
弓と弦なら弓を引け夏の原
yumi [to] tsuru nara yumi wo hike natsu no hara
David Gerard goes with a literal interpretation of this haiku. I see it figuratively -- that brief moment when everything is ripe and full, or any moment when you're holding your breath, waiting to see what will happen. Based on my interpretation, here are a few versions I would propose:
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
return to school plan
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
thunderstorm
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
cat in the window
What's your take on this haiku? I hope you'll share your version in the comments.
Catherine has this week's Poetry Friday roundup at Reading to the Core.
from individuals I shared your prompt with--
ReplyDeleteif it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
my fashion statement
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
the ump calls "play ball"
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
the blank notebook opens
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
the blinking cursor
and my version:
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
nerves of steel
Thank you for another poetic invitation, Mary Lee. Looking forward to reading others and continuing to think on this prompt.
Ooh! I love all of these, but especially the blank notebook and the nerves of steel! Thanks for your interpretations (and for sharing the prompt)!
DeleteBe safe, be safe, be safe!
ReplyDeleteI like your more positive (well, sorta) interpretation.
ReplyDeleteif it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
doorway
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
microphone
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
protest
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
say his name
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
runway
Thanks for the simple invitation, Mary Lee. Sending healthy thoughts!
Oof! You wrote some zingers. I'm not sure I can even pick a favorite. Maybe protest.
DeleteMy feelings today at this moment go with your first one. There are so many good examples already in the comments.
ReplyDeleteI sent an email in support of pushing back the start of school to school board members.
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
hit send
Touche.
DeleteWe need to get our board to agree to push our start date back, too.
Wow....Sometimes, I'm just blown over with the intensity a few words can have on me, on readers.
ReplyDeleteif it's a bow
its string is pulled taut
God is nigh
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut
all won or all lost
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut
children are at risk
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut
silence says the most
These are all so good, Linda! I'm feeling the "children (and teachers!!) are at risk" one the most.
DeleteI like your interpretation, Mary Lee. For some reason it makes me think of the beginning of Tuck Everlasting: When "the first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in it's turning."
ReplyDeleteif it's a bow
its string is pulled taut
each choice a catch-22
Yes. So very true.
DeleteThanks for inviting us into this haiku Mary Lee, I wonder what that "cat in the window" thinks about "return to school plan"
ReplyDeleteif it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
Artemis ponders…
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
meditate
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
listen
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
speak
if it's a bow
its string is pulled taut...
dive in